National Center for Wildlife Reintroduces 80 Endangered Species into Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve: The National Center for Wildlife (NCW), in partnership with Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, has successfully released 80 endangered animals into the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, according to an NCW press release issued today. According to Saudi Press Agency, NCW said the move is part of its strategic endeavors to conserve and revitalize Saudi Arabia's native biodiversity, focusing on the breeding and reintroduction of threatened species, restoration of natural ecosystems, and strengthening of ecological balance. Key officials from NCW and the reserve witnessed the release of 40 Rhim gazelles, 20 Arabian oryx, six mountain gazelles, eight Nubian ibex, one lappet-faced vulture, three Eurasian griffon vultures, and two steppe eagles. Also released were migratory birds rehabilitated at NCW care facilities. The release is part of Saudi Arabia's commitment to international conservation efforts. NCW CEO Dr. Mohammad Ali Qurban said: "This reintroduction is one of many continuous efforts to restore endangered native species and ecosystems across Saudi Arabia's protected areas. Through breeding and reintroduction programs, NCW aims to enrich biodiversity and support the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environmental Strategy, and Vision 2030." Qurban stressed that the reintroduction program is helped by the close NCW collaboration with partners in the wildlife conservation sector, adding that "our work adheres to the highest global standards, thanks to our partnership with specialized breeding centers. These efforts enable us to reintroduce endangered species back into their natural habitats under rigorous scientific guidance". Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority CEO Andrew Zaloumis said: "At Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve we are on a mission to rewild Arabia. At just 1% of the Kingdom's terrestrial area and 1.8% of its marine area, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve i s home to over 50% of the Kingdom's species. Through our conservation partnership with NCW we are moving closer to re-establishing the full range of free roaming historically occurring species to the reserve, contributing to the Kingdom's biodiversity and 2030 goals." Since its establishment, NCW has come up and implemented a range of effective strategies to protect wildlife, preserve biodiversity, and support the resilience of ecosystems. As the Kingdom's national authority for wildlife conservation, NCW manages specialized breeding facilities, monitors protected areas with cutting-edge technologies, and collects essential data on Saudi Arabia's diverse ecosystems to understand and address key conservation challenges. Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, one of Saudi Arabia's eight royal reserves, spans an impressive 24,500 km². Its volcanic rock formations extend toward the Red Sea, connecting with landmark projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and AlUla. "The reserve is committed to reintroduc ing more than 23 endangered species historically native to the region and is actively engaged in restoring ecosystems and creating sustainable development opportunities for local communities," said the release.